Whitehouse, Westmoreland

Seven of Westmoreland’s most outstanding citizens copped awards for dedicated service to nation-building in Sandals Whitehouse European Village and Spa’s second annual Community Role Model and Outstanding Citizen Scheme (CROCS) last week.

The seven, drawn from several communities across the parish, including two retired teachers, businessmen and woman, were hailed as ordinary folks who had made sterling contributions to the development of their communities.

“These are ordinary people who have really made a difference in their communities,” said guest speaker, father Colin Reid, resident pastor at the St Georges Anglican Church in Savanna-la-Mar.

He said he was happy that Sandals Whitehouse had seen it necessary to highlight the work of these “ordinary folks” who had shown industry, integrity and fortitude in their everyday lives -hallmarks of what a good role model should be.

The awardees included:

. Miranda Judith Townsend, retired postmistress and teacher of Darliston, a foster mother extraordinaire, who raised some 30 children after the passing of her husband;

. Opton Harpwood, a community businessman from Farm in the parish;

. Ms Norma Porteis, a teacher and guidance counsellor of Petersville All-Age;

. Ivy Woodbine, community businesswoman from Colloden;

. Arnold Myers community businessman of Whitehouse;

. Raphael Williams, a Whitehouse businessman; and

. Annette Brown, retired principal of Salem Primary and Junior High School in Beeston Spring.

“There are those that have seen you and have emulated you,” he applauded the awardees. “Continue the toil and work.”

He added that the programnme of honouring outstanding community members was an excellent one by any measurement that would lead to a better working environment and create a better community.

Jeremy Jones, the hotel’s general manager, said it was their opportunity to give thanks to their community family.

Responding on behalf of the awardees, Brown said they were happy that Sandals had seen it fit to publicly recognise them and would continue to serve their communities.

She said leadership should be love, kindness and humility and that at the end of the day the awardees should leave with a fresh resolution to continue to serve humbly.